Firefighters responded to 88 fireworks-related calls on Guy Fawkes on Tuesday, an increase of more than 30 compared to last year.
National advisor fire risk management Peter Gallagher says it is disappointing fire crews were called out more often on Guy Fawkes night this year.
"We've been focussing strongly on education about safety in the lead up to Guy Fawkes. We'd hoped with more information out there we would continue to see a decrease in incidents compared to previous years.
"So, it is frustrating some people are still not taking the weather conditions into account or using fireworks safely."
Firefighters were called to 16 fireworks related callouts in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas, with more of the calls being in the Bay of Plenty, says a Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson.
Te Hiku (Auckland/Northland) was the busiest region with 49 callouts as of 5.30am Tuesday, several of which were to significant fireworks-related vegetation fires in Auckland city.
Safety messages appear to be getting through in the South Island, where there were only eight fireworks-related call outs in total.
Since fireworks went on sale on Saturday, November 2, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has attended 135 fireworks-related incidents.
But Peter stresses this isn't the end of fireworks season.
"We expect the weekend to be a busy one, and once again want to stress the importance of safe use.
"Anyone thinking of using fireworks over the weekend should consider the weather conditions, ensure there's someone responsible to light the fireworks and us them safely."
Safety Tips:
-Don't light fireworks in windy or dry conditions.
-Carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions before using any fireworks.
-Light your fireworks in a wide-open area, away from anything that could catch fire, like dry grass, leaves or crops, or flammable gases or liquids.
-Keep a bucket of water, hose or fire extinguisher handy.
-Point fireworks at the sky, not your mates.
-Refer to your local bylaws for the rules around using fireworks in your area. In many places, you're only allowed to light fireworks on private property.
Please note the numbers quoted are provisional until final counts can be confirmed.
4 comments
Entitlement
Posted on 07-11-2019 08:05 | By Yadick
As the idiots of society slide deeper into their sense of entitlement the message of safety falls on deaf ears. The message is written on fireworks, in the media, on social media but to the idiots it is seen but not read, heard but not listened to, known but rejected. They're the ones that spoil it for everyone else. They're the ones that are robbing our future generations of the enjoyment of letting off fireworks - hmmm, sounds familiar . . . I'll be the first to say I love fireworks but perhaps (I hate to utter the words) we need to look at controlled public/community displays. (Sorry to my grandies)
It's obvious what to do....
Posted on 07-11-2019 08:13 | By The Professor
....ban the public sale and use of fireworks. NZ has talked about this for years and years and nothing has been done about it. Public displays are the only way to go in my mind and even those displays should be strictly held on the 5th November......not the nearest Saturday or Sunday..........on the 5th end of!! Then people with pets and the people with elderly parents can plan to help protect these categories.
Public 'Controlled' Displays ONLY
Posted on 07-11-2019 09:07 | By Bruja
or preferably a total ban. Fireworks, if allowed at all, should only be allowed on 5th November and 31st December and ONLY at public, controlled events. NO sales to individuals at all and displays with proper permits only. 5th November is an absolute joke anyway, celebrating a FAILED attempt by some people on the other side of the planet 500 years ago!!! FGS! :(
Band them
Posted on 07-11-2019 16:11 | By Honesty is the best Policy
They need to be band to many fires and animails getting hurt. No use saying u only aloud them on this day thats allrealy out no one lissons. The goverment needs so harden up and band then instead of been a bunch if pussys get them gone for gd it ablout time instead of talking about it DO IT
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